Assistant Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the OHCHR operates in various countries, including those in conflict or post-conflict situations, to ensure adherence to international human rights laws and standards. The organization aims to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation among nations to foster respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to upholding human dignity and addressing violations of rights.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the OHCHR's mission in the occupied Palestinian territory. This position involves assisting in the monitoring, documenting, and reporting of violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Gaza Suboffice and will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to human rights issues, preparing reports, and conducting field missions. The role requires a strong understanding of human rights frameworks and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure effective monitoring and reporting. The Assistant Human Rights Officer will also contribute to the development of strategies aimed at addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Assisting in the collection of data for human rights monitoring and providing technical support for tracking recommendations from human rights mechanisms.
• Collecting, documenting, and managing evidence-based information on various rights, contributing to analysis and informed decision-making.
• Preparing and conducting human rights monitoring and field verification missions, ensuring adherence to UN methodologies and victim protection standards.
• Drafting human rights reports and briefings, providing technical support for analytical papers.
• Collecting and verifying multi-source information on human rights situations, reflecting gender considerations.
• Conducting research on lessons learned to inform human rights programs.
• Analyzing data to identify trends and providing insights through data visualization methods.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information in compliance with UN standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have relevant IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based applications. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work are essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical skills and the ability to draft comprehensive reports.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates with a first-level university degree must have a minimum of two years of experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area. No experience is required for candidates holding an advanced university degree. Knowledge of international human rights law, humanitarian law, and methodologies for monitoring and reporting is essential. Skills in integrating a human rights-based approach and gender equality into work are desirable, as well as experience in drafting reports and analyzing data.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. Candidates must be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.